Former Governor of The Big Heart State (Delta), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has revealed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is set to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lending credence to long-standing speculations about the party’s future.
Okowa made the statement during an interview on ARISE TV, where he also addressed his own recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other political figures in Delta State.
He stated that the decision followed extensive deliberations and reflected deep frustration with the direction of the PDP. According to him, discussions around the move involved Atiku himself, who he said was already considering parting ways with the party after the 2023 presidential election.
On Atiku’s proposed opposition alliance, Okowa expressed skepticism, arguing that there was no clear path forward or unity among its backers. He dismissed the initiative as lacking the structure needed to challenge the ruling party in the near term.
Rather than joining the opposition bloc, Okowa expressed his backing for President Bola Tinubu, advocating for his re-election in 2027 as a way to maintain regional balance and political stability. He suggested that completing Tinubu’s second term would enable the presidency to rotate back to the North.
Okowa further pointed to internal strife, leadership disputes, and a weak electoral strategy as reasons PDP is unlikely to regain national prominence. He said consultations included political and non-political leaders, and the decision to switch allegiance was a collective one involving Delta’s broader political leadership.
Reflecting on his time as an opposition governor, Okowa highlighted the challenges faced in accessing federal support, adding that aligning with the ruling party was necessary to attract attention to the state’s development needs.
Reacting to criticism over his defection, particularly from former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Okowa questioned Saraki’s moral authority, referencing his frequent party switches over the years.
